Sunshine in the Midst of Rain

Click here to create your own painting.

Thanks Elisa Rose for the inspiration to paint my feelings for today. Can you find the sunshine in my painting? Although it's been a really scary time for my husband and I to have a sick baby, God's presence is always near even in the midst of rain! Lord, YOU are the Great Physician!

PS- Lisa, the sunshine reminded me of your story too! I'll share my painting with you!

Please Me...Not Him!

My 7 month old baby has the flu. I don't know which is harder, not being able to take it away or watching this typically active boy lay so motionless in my arms. His high fevers have literally scared me so bad. For the first time as a mother, I understand what my parents meant when they said they would rather be sick than me. As a child I thought they were crazy. Who would wish to be sick? I completely understand now. I would do anything for it to be me than him. I write this so you will understand if I don't journal as often as I usually do. My hands are needed elsewhere for the time being.

Valentine's Day Countdown

Wal-Mart for the Domesticated

Being at home most of my day doesn't allow me much opportunity to venture out. Most of my time is now allotted to cleaning and caring for my baby. Although I am thoroughly enjoying this new role, I have come quite fond of the time I do get to escape into the world.

This past Saturday, the three of us took a family trip to Wally-World. No, not the theme park. Okay, if you're still not sure click here. For a brief moment, I felt so free. I enjoyed sniffing every scent of the Herbal Essence hair care products. The deodorants had a such a vibrant new smell. And yes, I even found myself gazing merrily in the fish tanks. While I enjoyed watching my aquadic friends swim oh so effortlessly, my husband had two choices. He could try and defend his wife's odd behavior to concerned onlookers or he could quietly try to redirect my attention. Being the new preacher in town, he opted the more discrete tactic of redirecting my focus.

Honey, let's go to the baby aisle.

Brilliant! What better way to get a new mother's undivided attention! My husband knows me so well.

Oh the baby products! The lotions, the shampoos, and don't forget the clothes. I never thought Wal-Mart could be so fun!

While I touched every outfit on the rack, my husband was growing a little restless. He politely reminded me that we needed to check-out. I insisted just one more minute.

Oh my goodness...look at the cute shoes!

Honey, we really need to go.

Hold on, please. Look! These are on clearance.

He has a ton of shoes in his closet, we need to go.

At that instant, I turned to him with raised eyebrows and tilted head. With clenched teeth and a quirky smile, I quietly reminded him, "I don't get out much. Let me touch!"

I'm not sure if he was more startled by my facial expression or the fact that his wife was on the edge of nuts but I enjoyed an extra 30 minutes of frolicking up and down the baby aisle.

I think for the sake of my health and his sanity, husband insists that we take a family outing at least once a week. This Saturday it's off to Lowes Hardware. I can almost smell the fresh lumber! I can't wait!

Media Fades...Devastation Still Prevalent

As the media coverage of the tornado distruction diminishes across our tv screens, let us continue to be in prayer for the tornado victims. The devastation and loss is still very real and current. My family's community was one that was hit directly. Please continue praying that the community will recover from the physical distruction but more importantly that the Lord will comfort the hearts of people who have lost loved ones.

Infant Swimming Resource

Infant Swimming Resourse (ISR). It's a program to teach children, yes...even infants, the ability to aquatic problem solve if ever in a dangerous situation. As a parent I want to teach my child to be comfortable in the water yet to respect it's capabilities. Years of being on the swim teach and all those baby manuals (books) that I have read, I have never heard about this program.

I wanted to prep you before you watch the video to say that the child does not drown. I, on the other hand, was told to watch the clip without any commentary leaving me with high blood pressure and a headache afterwards. I hope to relieve you of any unnessesary stress. Click on the link to watch this video. Let me know if you've heard about this program. I am very curious the hear your opinions.

http://www.childdrowningprevention.com/index.html

Pillows for Padding

Our son has just recently discovered the excitement of pulling up. I am thrilled to watch this new stage of growth and development. I rejoice with him in the accomplishments of a job well done. While one part of me is proud, the other part is concerned. Concerned that he will get injured, concerned that he will eat something forbidden, concerned I will not be there to catch his falls.

To relieve some level of worry, I have baby-proofed his play area. I have put safety plugs in all the outlets. I vaccum regularly and to make his falls a little more comfortable, I put pillows on the floor. Like most mothers, I constantly want to protect him.

Last night, husband and I watched 20/20's report on Natalee Holloway. Despite all the victims in this horrific story, my heart especially went out to the mother. Despite all circumstances within the case, I can't imagine the pain and suffering of not being there to protect her daughter. Being a senior in high school, she was at the age of independence. During the whole broadcast, I was constantly reminded that one day I too will have to let go of my baby.

As he grows, I know I will not always be there to wipe his tears. I know I will not always be there to make sure the plugs are in the sockets. And I know I will not always be there to cushion him with pillows. I often pray that I will raise my child not to find comfort in the contents of this world but rather in Christ. People come and go. Material possessions gather dust. But the presence of our Lord is everlasting.

Lord, help me to be involved without controlling. Help me to be a gentle guide but not domineering. Help me to love without impairing. Give me the faith to know that YOU will place the pillows needed for padding.

I've Been Tagged

To relieve any insecurities...this one is for you, Linda.

4 Jobs I've Had: bank receptionist, elementary school teacher (I've only had 2)

4 Movies I Watch Over and Over: Steel Magnolias, Gone With the Wind, The Notebook, Lord of the Rings Trilogy

4 TV Shows I Watch: Reba, Food Network, HGTV, Full House (I know, I know. A little cheezy but hey, it's nice to escape into a world of perfectness every now and then)

4 Places I've Been: Africa, Alaska, Nicaragua, Bahamas

4 People Who Email Me Regularly: My husband, mother/father, sister, mother-in-law (I know that's 5 but I couldn't leave anyone out)

4 Favorite Things To Eat: Hot gooey chocolate chip cookies (see Kelly for more nutritional snacks), spaghetti, chicken alfredo, a good homemade soup

4 Places I'd Like to Be: Hawaii, the beach, sipping hot tea by a warm fire, in the company of my family

4 Things I Look Forward to This Year: my son's 1 year birthday (see the countdown at the bottom of the page), the beach, family visits, my 10 year high school reunion

4 People to Tag (optional): I am brand new to blog world so the only person I can think to tag is my sis-in-law, Brittany. She's a new blogger too!

The Old Gray Mare

Being in my 20s, I consider myself in the young mom braket of life. Already having one baby, the ol' bod just ain't what it use to be...can I hear an "Amen"?!?

On a typical morning, I step out of the shower and sing a few tunes with my baby who usually just observes from his exersauser. Some of our on going favs are Jesus Loves Me or The Alphabet Song. Occasionally I'll sneak some 80's rock in there (my generation). This particular morning I stepped out of the shower, took a quick glance in the mirror and began to sing The old gray mare just ain't what she used to be... Oh come on, don't make me sing the rest.

I look over at my baby and then in the mirror and just neigh.